I am twelve years old, my father recently passed. He left me his fathers banjo in his will. I’ve been grieving and decided to play it in his honor, you are literally the perfect teacher i’ve met. Stay blessed🙏🏽
I'm so sorry DRAGON. I lost my father a couple months ago. I'm quite a bit older but I tell you, it's a great honor to play for your father's name and memory. Don't you ever quit!!!
The gifts we are given in life we can’t possibly understand. What a beautiful gift of music that both the teacher and your grandfather and father have left you. Blessings to you and your future musical endeavors!
I love that you don’t jam pack multiple techniques into one video. Most other people teaching on here shove in 10 things for us to learn, which makes it impossible to remember. We appreciate you so much !
You are such a likable and patient fellow. I love your personality and sincerely appreciate you taking time out of a busy life to create this content. I am having a ball learning to play the banjo.
You are the only online teacher that i've been able to stick with so far. I just got the banjo 2 days ago (i come from guitar) so some similarities with the slides and hammer ons, but the banjo is unique. I hope you can make more lessons. I'm not moving on from this one until I get it smooth....which im definitely going to be a bit...Thank you!
@@dudebrodude9021 Me too, many years playing bass in bands also. Definitely some carry-over, yet distinct differences as well. Having fun so far (got my banjo 2 days ago, and I've actually had some time to play it!). Felt funky when I first put the finger picks, but it didn't take very long to become accustom to them.
I just got a banjo today, a few hours ago to be exact. My grandpa had one a few years back, I remember strumming absolute music gibberish for hours on his front porch, my little arms were tired and his finger picks dug into my skin but I never wanted to put in down. After watching your first video and repeating those very simple notes, the feeling I never want to put it down has come back into my soul. Thank you 🙏🏻
Fell in love with you right away! Thank you for becoming my new banjo teacher. I sincerely appreciate these videos and am looking forward to putting my beautiful banjo to good use!
Jim THANK YOU for taking the time to make these vids. I'm almost 60 now, got my banjo 20 some years ago and never learned to play, had not even touched it in 15+ years. Just stumbled on The Dead South group on YT a couple days ago, (GREAT group BTW) and sparked my desire to play again. If I had YT and a teacher like you when I first got it I might be a player by now ;-) I'm a subscriber now, Thanks again Buddy !
Jim, you have me laughing until I cry at 4:30 am because of your wholesome personality and just genuine sense of humor. I never thought learning an instrument would be so doable and so damn fun at the same time🪕
Man I appreciate these videos so much. I'm not naturally musically inclined, but taking these videos slowly has been so encouraging haha! Thanks for putting these out there for people to enjoy.
@@JimPankey So cool you responded, thank you for your time! I'm already well into lesson 4 and I had a question about my banjo. I bought my first banjo and it is a R.W Jamison 5 string for just under 200 dollars. I read some reviews online and most people said its a great starter banjo. Any recommendations or tips on maintenance for a newbie? Maybe make a video please on how to tighten strings and the various screws and such along with what they do on a banjo? Thanks Mr. Planky!
THIS IS AMAZING!!! Jim you are hands down the best banjo teacher on RU-vid and the World! i'm a 30 yr old kid, just got my first banjo ever delivered on Friday and already by Tuesday (less than a week ago) i'm playing Cripple Creek with all the bells and whistles past lesson 6. Keep in mind that i have a full time day job and never ever played any other musical instruments in my entire life! THIS IS AMAZING!!! Now ill be starting your lesson 7. Thank you Very much!
I'm in my 30s with my first banjo as well!! My grandfather's brother plated banjo, but no one else in the family ever picked it up.. all guitar players... I'm in Love! And very thankful for Jim!!
Another terrific lesson Jim, thank you kindly. I played the banjo for 35 years until arthritis took it's toll on my hands about ten years ago. I'm nearly 71 and the rolls and chords are quite difficult now but with your lessons and friendly style I hope to overcome this slight handicap and get back to playing again real soon. Thank you very much for taking the time to help. Your kindness is just amazing.
Bud M,,, Arthritis sucks. Just keep at it and don't stop 🛑 Ever again. I had diabetes, but did not want it no more. I did not want to keep managing it and keep it..so I got rid of it... I have some arthritis in my hands a little bit. I got to keep moving. Have a good night and a better tomorrow... From brother Harvey
Hi Jim ,hello from Scotland. My son bought me a banjo two years ago and after several attempts and RU-vid videos I gave up. I tuned into your channel a month ago and already Iam improving. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos ,your a great teacher.
Cheers Jim your lessons are wonderful and consise , enjoying so much , been a guitarist for many years , bought a banjo a couple of years ago , never learned properly but you're inspiring me to give it a shot ! Many thanks .
I had to peek ahead at Lesson 2. I’m still working on making the pinch and roll in Lesson 1 second nature. I’ve been practicing 30 minutes everyday and then video recording a 30 sec clip of my playing. Hoping to chronicle my progression. Really lessons and finding some inner peace in the practicing-a little banjo zen!
Thank you, Jim, for being an excellent teacher. I bought my first banjo over 30 years ago. I started taking lessons then, but my teacher was more interested in smoking (not tobacco) and playing himself. Stopped lessons but picked up the banjo every once in a while just to hear it ring. My banjo burned up in a house fire 15 years ago. I mentioned to my wife this year how much I missed it and she surprised me with a new one for Christmas. I started taking lessons again last week, but the teacher started off expecting me to play Cripple Creek. I checked out your lessons and I think I will stop paying that guy and just learn from you!
I love this soooo much, I have been wanting to learn banjo for years and just got one in my hands. I’m so grateful for these lessons! I just want to play all day every day!!! 😍
I would like to say that these videos have been insanely helpful and uplifting. I feel confident with myself and excited to try a new skill, which is not my norm. Your cadence and content are digestible and relatable. I would happily pay for this instruction, if you have a Patreon. So far, practicing my banjo has brought a unique sense of calm and focus to someone who is otherwise a scrambled, anxious mess. I love it and, thanks to you, I’m not scared to practice until I make progress. Thank you!
I had my left leg (below knee) amputated in April. I didn’t know how hard being an amp would be, so I bought a banjo because I’d heard playing banjo was extremely difficult and I wanted something harder than being an amp. I just discovered your channel and am slowly moving forward in mastering this instrument. Thank you for your patient approach.
ok, starting as a 75 year old. 2weeks into it. Difficult but, doable. I play fiddle so know to start so slowly and often. Like your style UPDATE - gave in ,couldnt get it - back again now for another attempt - .Now 81,.
Hello, sir Jim! God your style of doing things is great! I,m a newbee who practices on the back porch whilst looking at the mountains up here in the boonies of N.H. Got an old basic 5 string from the 50,s. Thanks for being so direct on your videos. Your humor and way of explaining things remind me so much of how i,ve learned to teach others. Our big event up here is the Ossipee Valley Music Festival. take care and thanks! thomas
I'm sure you're tired of hearing it but thank you Mr Jim! I've been practicing last couple of days in between chasing my little ones and it's brought me so much joy. 💜
Jim, I took a good few days on the first video, and thank you for telling us to take it slow. I have this natural tendency to want to rush things, and you can't rush repetition and muscle memory. The only thing that would help with these videos, are time stamps for the parts so we can jump back to them when we are practicing. I'm going to add a few in my post for my help. 00:06:12 - Slide 00:08:13 - Hammer On 00:09:12 - Combined 00:10:13 - Pinch pattern with Slide and Hammer On 00:11:25 - Alternating rolls with slide and Hammer on 00:14:02 - Putting it all together (Pinch and Rolls with Slides and Hammer On's)
You are absolutely a great person to learn from. You are so invested in us learning and want us to get it and really learn to play. You engage through the camera like we ewre sitting in the room with the students. Your approach and demeanor and attutude is fantastic. I was worried about learning banjo cause it seemed so hard after playing guitar for so many years and having to train my brain in a whole different way. But you are breaking it down in to easy understandable parts that get the hands mechanically in the right way using recognizable little pieces of music like you are really playing something instead of just exercising for nothing. Thanks for the way you explain things in your clear and patient and encouraging way.
Hi Jim just wanted to tell you what a great banjo teacher i think you are. Im 55 years old and have never really played any musical instrument, but im 3 weeks in and having fun and i feel like i really might be able to figure this thing out, with your help. Thanks again
Just got onto your vids/lessons and I love the way your teaching! Easy learning and so simple to follow you! Thanks! Hopefully i get somewhere with this :) Cheefs
Jim, thank you so much for the videos! I have the first lesson down pretty well. I started this lesson today but I am having difficulty with my fretting hand. I'm using a Gold Tone AC-1 open back banjo, so its pretty light. I feel like i have to really use my left hand to support the neck, but that hinders me from sliding and hammering well. Any tips? should I get a strap or?
Hi Jim! I think you are just great and I am so happy to have found you! About a month ago when I got it in my head to learn something about the banjo, a family friend was nice enough to loan me a beautiful instrument, and he told me lots of cool stories about it, but alas he left me on my own to figure out how the thing worked. I tinkered around on it a bit before coming across you. I actually found you first by looking up "Rainbow Connection" which of course was way beyond my beginning ability (your video about it was really wonderful by the way). Then I came across these lessons and now I'm really hooked! I so appreciate your clearness and patience and encouragement. I find myself thinking about the lessons even when I don't have the banjo in my hands, which I think is really helping get these first few lessons in my mind, which I find later translates into my hands. That's the mark of a great teacher, which I think you really are. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me get started learning about this amazing instrument - I have so much more appreciation for it now and forever!
I have just started playing the banjo and started by using the most beginner books you can get and struggled. I then found your videos and I can actually play a tune now. You are a great, patient teacher and look forward to progressing with your help. So from Glasgow, Scotland I say a big thank you😁
Hi Jim and again thank you a million million times for what you do for so many beginners like myself. Have a broken arm at present so Justin listening at the moment. Hope you and your family are bunkering down amid the world size virus, can’t weight for this arm to heal to pick up the banjo lesions again. Regards aGer
Just wanted you to know I've been playing The guitar for many years and it runs in my family...but I have also been wanting to play The banjo but never picked one up but I'm here to tell everyone it's The funniest instrument I have ever picked up!. . thank you sir for teaching people like me how to play one of the funniest instrument... from the Appalachians of Kentucky... God bless my friend
Finally learning to play this beautiful banjo at 62. I’m getting it pretty quick as I’ve finger-picked guitar all my life. Just wanted to thank you for your detailed and delightful lessons. You’re making me stick to it. That’s huge. Many thanks, Jim!
Hi Jim from the mountain state of WV! I used to play (not very well) but lost the tips of my left index in middle finger in 2000. That ended my banjo playing. I always wanted to go back and try after fully healing (it's been over 20 years). My wifes uncle has a hillbilly garage band that plays every Saturday night. They encouraged me to get an instrument and try again, and I also found you. I picked up a cheap used banjo on craigslist last night (Rogue B30 ugh) But cheap or not it actually sounds pretty good. Left hand fingers felt pretty good just from a little practice. I had picked up a lot of bad habits in my playing years ago being self taught and just making songs sound right to me. I'm starting from scratch like I never picked up a banjo before and following along with your lessons. Thanks for the added encouragement I needed!
So glad I found your lessons. Always wanted to play the banjo but have zero music skills. Only thing I can play is the radio (and my wife says I suck at that). I bought a banjo 6 months ago and tried a couple different online teachers but got frustrated with their "beginner" lessons. You break down step by step first lesson went smooth practicing about 30 minutes a day for 4 days. I figure maybe 3 or 4 for this one and I will see you for lesson 3.
Hey Jim thank you again for helping me out. I know I texted a while back in February absolutely cripple creek and banjo in the hollow and even pretty Polly so I could play for my grandfather but sadly he didn’t get to hear pretty Polly. He passed away on the 24th but I will continue the lessons to be even better
I'm in the same boat as you, but I've noticed when I grab my banjo even after a week of not practicing, I can do that roll (really rough) after twanging a couple of strings.. Its weird how the mind works.. Keep up with the practice.. It doesnt seem to get any easier (to me), but its fun hey..
Thank you for creating these videos. I have always struggled learning an instrument, these videos have completely changed that. I am picking up on the banjo quickly and having a wonderful time playing. THANK YOU!!!
Love these lessons! I traded an old guitar for a banjo and these lessons have been just what I need. I did feel called out when you repeated straight back chair 😂😂 I was like “shoot he’s got me, now I really have to get off the couch”
Hey jim I have a mini banjo and when I hammer and slide Its not as defined and noticeable . Is this because its size? Also I really enjoy your videos and think they are helpful.
Great videos, stumbled upon this series and watching after 2 videos i got my self a banjo and 3 months into having a banjo Jim has me hooked on learning and playing. Thank you sir.
Hi Jim been away with a broken arm for a few months but every day watch your lessons. Am proudly wearing the Jim Panky tea shirt and back to practice. Thanks again for all you do, your a bloody star 😇😇😇😇😇
In three days I’m playing like a pro, thanks my friend! My social finger is blue and sore as heck but I don’t care. Your patience and technique is just what I needed to pick up that banjo with no skills and start playing with a passion to continue. Just the beginning of something wonderful...thanks so much. I’m only at lesson three and my husband is tickled pink calling all his friends up in West Jefferson, NC telling them next summer his wife is bringing her banjo. Donna Delray🥰
You have invigorated my desire to learn my Grandpa's banjo. I have a book, but it was hard to get motivated. Got it re-stringed and started watching and playing. Thank you for putting in the effort to do these videos. I look forward to the future and exploring more of your content.
I got my banjo last fall, many months ago. But because of your stern emphasis on not moving on before I'm ready, I'm still practicing the rolls, because I haven't had the time to practice many times a week. Usually I'm so impatient, I just play whatever and move on whether I have mastered the previous step or not :D well, somehow, with banjo I don't care about that, maybe it's the relaxing sound of it that makes it a joy to play even just slow rolls. I'm sure I'll learn to play the banjo, eventually. If it takes until I'm 50, at least I can play it well, and sound great, instead of a sloppy mess :D I just hope your videos are still up 10 yrs from now 😂
My father passed away in 2007 and I wanted his banjo only to learn that he gave it to a little girl at the church that wanted to learn the banjo. Tonight when I was going to bed, I said out loud, “I bet you would have played really good if you would have had RU-vid…” Thank you for doing this and inspiring those starting off learning the banjo. Bless you. ❤❤❤
Thanks Jim,great lesson,progressing nice and slowly,but more important enjoying learning to play my banjo,my wife n kids say its sounding better and guess what ,my dog ,a husky has started howling when i play ,run i and 2 together he! he! Coldstream,Scotland
Hi Jim, At 58 years young (59 next month) and wanting to learn Banjo forever, I received my RK-36 last week. I, as most others here, sincerely appreciate all of the work and effort you put into posting these OUTSTANDING video tutorials! I'm havin' a BLAST learning!!! Thanks again, and keep-up the great work! Ben
Thank for the very helpful videos Jim. I've been on and off on the banjo for a few years but trying to spend more time on it now. These beginner videos are great to revise things I've gotten very rusty at. One thing I struggle with is my left hand position, I tend to grip the neck too much. Any chance you can focus on left hand technique in an upcoming video? Thanks
Yup! I'll get to that. These first few lessons are mostly just to get folks going. I'll do a video with some general tips and my thoughts about the left and right hands.
Ive been wanting a banjo for a while now but never really payed much attention to the technique of playing one. So I got some finger picks and tuned my guitar to DGBD. I Know it's only 4 strings and sounds nothing like a banjo but it's still fun doing those rolls, slides etc. Makes me want a banjo even more now. BTW your videos are the best I've come across.
I've started referring to you as "Banjo dad" when telling my bf how my progress if going.. bc you're just so wholesome and supportive to all these strangers on this internet. "Today banjo dad said I won't dissapoint him" 🥰😭💕
Does anybody else find it impossible to watch this without leaning down and staring into the screen? Eye contact is important, but sheesh! Seriously, I love this guy and he might even get me to buy another banjo. I hope so. Jim
Jim I just purchased a Recording King RK-R35 Resonator Banjo on the 23 of May I would like to thank you for the video's I am 73 year old and have played the Guitar for 30 years I have always love the sound of the Banjo and you are a Great help thank you so much.
My grandfather has been playing banjo for 60 years or so and over the last 2 years he has some issues in his left shoulder and can’t play anymore. He gave me his banjo about a week ago and I’ve been picking it up for about 45 minutes a day the past few days. So far your 2 videos are the easiest to follow and understand. He gave me a bunch of books including the Scruggs book for learning how to play and for some reason it’s like I’m reading Latin. Thank you so much and I’ll be looking forward to the journey
Thank you! As a 31 year music educator with a Masters Degree in music I have found the 1st 2 videos very helpful.... I still suck at the banjo but I am getting there....
There's a whole ten lesson series, just follow the links in the description and at the end of the video. Once you're done with those I have over 300 other videos.
Hello Jim, 50 year guitar player here finally learning the banjo that my wife gave me 15-20 years ago. Changed the strings, did a little fret work, adjusted neck, acquired picks, ready to go! As someone below said, have basic hammer ons, pulloffs, and some fingerpicking down, but the banjo is unique. Really like your teaching style and will follow it to the letter. My goal is to play "The Ballad of Jim Clampett" initially, but want to apply the banjo to rock tunes. Found a good version of Sweet Home Alabama and really liked it. If I get good enough will play with my band live. Currently laid off so have time. Thanks!!
Hi!! I got me a banjo today for christmas from my hubby and i found YOU!!!!!! I am on my second lesson after practicing your first lesson for a few hours, I love you teaching technique, sooo you are my banjo teacher!! I am so excited to make such progress in so short a time!!!! Hope you have many more lessons on here!!! Thank you sooooo much for taking time to make these tutorials for us broke begineers!!!! I have 3 boys at home so paying for lessons is not an option for me. God bless you for teaching!!!!!
Thank you, Jim! I was lucky enough to receive a banjo as a gift a year ago and hadn't really touched it. I am excited again to learn how to play after watching your videos. They go at a comfortable pace that isn't overwhelming.
4:55 “I want you to play a song. if I can get you to play this song you are hooked” this was my experience with guitar! it’s why i made myself learn good riddance x green day as my first song! love you tutorials! can’t wait to get my first banjo and play along
